St. John's Episcopal Church to offer concert series to encourage people to visit downtown

St. John's Episcopal Church in York will host concerts in an effort to be part of downtown "renaissance"

Father David Lovelace remembers being overwhelmed with the beauty of St. John's Episcopal Church in York when he first took over as rector 20 years ago.

"It's been a dream of mine since then to share what we always enjoy," he said.

The church at 140 N. Beaver St. has been known for its sweet-sounding acoustics and historical significance, but few have been able to experience it, Lovelace said.

He and others at the church hope to change that with a new concert series that will welcome York County residents to visit the city and enjoy what downtown has to offer.

Thanks to a $4,200 grant from the York County Community Foundation and $1,000 from the Bonham Fund, the church will host six concerts October through April free to the public.

The grant was awarded in July, just after the church's annual July 4th service where they showcased York's Liberty Bell and hosted a performance by First Capital Brass.

"About 25 people show up for the service each year, but having the musicians there seemed to make it grow," said Brian Moul, chairman of the series planning committee. "We saw 100 people that day and they all expressed some sort of amazement that they drive by us all the time but don't know what we have inside."

Moul said the primary goal of the concert series was to offer variety and fill a particular niche.

The chapel couldn't hold a 100-person choir or orchestra, but it's perfect for small groups or solo acts, he said.

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"We didn't want to duplicate what other venues in the city are offering," he added. "We can't bring in big acts like The Strand, but we can offer something unique."

Performers for the series include mezzo soprano Amy Yovanovich, York College's Vocabella, the Manhattan School of Music and Jazz Quintet, as well as Gettysburg College's faculty and student wind ensembles.

In addition, the church will include its Evensong Service twice during the series. The 30-minute, music-themed Episcopal service will be followed by a recital.

Organizers also planned the concerts to be early enough in the evening that attendees can stop by a city restaurant for dinner afterward.

"I live in the suburbs and when people hear I drive downtown for work everyday they wonder why I do it," Lovelace said. "I think, 'Why not go downtown?'"

In his two decades with St. John's, Lovelace said, he's seen a huge revitalization of the city.

"Look at the (Santander) stadium and all the restaurants that are popping up," he said. "I've seen big things happen in this city since I've been here. We want to be part of that."

While going downtown can be "a novel idea" for a lot of people, Moul said, they think they can change that.

"I believe we're in the middle of the renaissance of York," he said. "It's our goal to make sure this church isn't just of historical significance, but that it continues to be part of this city."

Contact Rebecca Hanlon at 717-771-2088.

If you go

St. John's Episcopal Church in York will hold a free concert series starting in October. Those who attend are welcome to park in the lot across from the Beaver Street church. For more information, visit www.stjohnyork.org or call 717-848-1862.